The VectorCAST/RSP (Runtime Support Package) is used in conjunction with VectorCAST/C++ or VectorCAST/Ada to provide automated module testing in a real-time embedded environment and has been ported to all industry-leading compiler and run-time combinations.

VectorCAST/RSP (Runtime Support Package) is an add-on to the VectorCAST/C++ and VectorCAST/Ada products to enable testing of real-time applications directly on an embedded target or in a target simulator environment. VectorCAST/RSP works in conjunction with VectorCAST/C++ or VectorCAST/Ada to provide automated module testing in a real-time embedded environment. VectorCAST/RSP has been ported to a wide variety of industry-leading compiler and run-time combinations.

VectorCAST/RSP is the module that has the “knowledge” on how to download the VectorCAST test harness to the target, how to initialize it, and how to pass it test cases for execution. It also knows how to capture pass/fail results and code coverage metrics. It works behind the scenes to make testing on target completely automated and transparent.

VectorCAST Runtime Support Package features include:

Cross-Compiler specific test-harness generation for execution on a target or simulator

Automatic download of test harnesses and test cases for execution on a target by way of the compiler interface or a user-specified download mechanism

Execution controlled from GUI provides an ease-of-use not common to component target testing

Customized I/O facilities are provided on both the host and target sides to allow communication between the host and target processors for test reporting

How to automate module testing in a real-time embedded environment

The VectorCAST architecture is centered on the executable test harness that is constructed using VectorCAST/C++ and VectorCAST/Ada. The test harness code that VectorCAST generates is then compiled and linked into an executable program using the same cross compiler and linker that you are using for your application code. This results in a complete executable program that can be downloaded to any target architecture your cross-compilation tools support. The harness is completely compatible with the processor and board the application is intended to run on.

This architecture allows the VectorCAST application to run on a host platform while the test harness executable runs on the same host processor, OR on a remote target platform. The architecture of the target is not important, all that matters to VectorCAST is that there is some mechanism to send ASCII test data into the harness and to retrieve ASCII test results back from the harness. With VectorCAST/RSP this mechanism is the I/O link that is used for downloading to the target processor from the host platform.

The goal of the VectorCAST/RSP is to automate the process of taking the test harness, downloading it to the target, kicking it off, passing it test case data, and gathering results, all in an automated fashion. When you are using the VectorCAST GUI, all the tests you execute run automatically on the target without the need for intervention. This also happens when using VectorCAST/Manage to automate your continuous integration and test activities.

VectorCAST matches our development paradigm exactly. Therefore the tool was simple to set up and integrate into our development process....Read More »